How to survive winter when you really hate winter

Winter doesn't have to suck (but, just to be clear, it mostly does). Photo / 123rf

Let's get the facts out in the open: winter sucks.

Now that we've got that out of the way, it's time to get over it. Spend all winter hating life at lower temperatures and all you'll have done for yourself is waste a whole quarter of your year.

The solution? Learn to love the cold.

Sure, this is easier said than done, but there are actually quite a few nice things about the winter months and some pretty easy ways to cope. Here are five of them:

1. Dress for the weather

Honestly, if you follow this one rule, rather than succumbing to silly fashion trends, you're guaranteed to enjoy winter a hell of a lot more. Buy a proper winter coat/jacket. None of that flimsy stuff that looks good but still keeps you shivering. Own the fact that it's really freaking cold and put a giant coat on. And some gloves. And some really good boots. And chuck some warm socks in there.

via GIPHY

2. Pick a winter hobby

Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating... whatever. Choose a hobby that requires - or at the very least works best in - really cold weather and look forward to winter so you can improve your skills.

I know what you're thinking: skiing is expensive, do you think I have time to go to the snow every weekend, are you out of your mind? Woah, calm down, I'm just trying to help. Your winter hobby doesn't even have to involve snow. In fact, indoor hobbies are perfect for winter. Things like cooking, yoga, learning new languages, board games (bonus points for family bonding time).

Go further than just thinking up an activity: schedule it in. Book game nights with friends, make time for your yoga sessions, arrange weekly movie nights with the family. Do it now, then come back to read the rest.

via GIPHY

3. Think of all the comfort food

Get the slow cooker out and plan some warm comforting meals. As a bonus, your kitchen will smell amazingly.

via GIPHY

4. Embrace hygge

Hygge is the now super-trendy Danish ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures and surround yourself with people and objects that give you feelings of comfort, warmth and togetherness. Things like a hot chocolate under the blankets while binge-watching your favourite shows, or a lie-in on a stormy morning, a cup of tea and a book. These are things you can do any time of the year but that are definitely more enjoyable in winter, especially if the weather is extra rubbish outside.

via GIPHY

5. Change your attitude

Seriously. Stop complaining about winter all the time and shift your perspective. Sure, it's a bit nippy but, hey, hot chocolates! Also, mulled wine. Practise this over and over again until you trick yourself into thinking winter is not the absolute worst (which, despite what I've been trying to tell you since the opening paragraph, it really, really is).

via GIPHY